North Cotabato health insurance to be implemented by 2007

Local government unit representatives from all over North Cotabato pledged their commitment today to the Cotabato Health Insurance Program (CHIP) which Gov. Manny Piñol said will be implemented by 2007.

During the 2nd CHIP consultation meeting held today at the AJ Hi-Time Hotel in Kidapawan City, Governor Piñol said the program will be his legacy to the people of North Cotabato especially the poor.

“This will give our poor people the opportunity to recover their dignity in the face of their health and medical problems. They no longer have to go begging for assistance from politicians for their medicines and hospital bills, and suffer being scolded before receiving financial aid,” he said.

A brainchild of Gov. Piñol himself, CHIP aims to develop a scheme of health care financing which does not depend solely on government subsidy. The program will adopt a cost-sharing scheme between indigent members, the barangay, concerned local government unit, and the provincial government.

The program will also be open to non-indigents who would have to shoulder the entire annual premium contribution.

Both indigent and non-indigent members will have a maximum coverage of P150,000.

Board Member Shirlyn Macasarfte-Espuelas, who has prepared Proposed Ordinance No. 181 which establishes the CHIP, led the Pledge of Commitment of the municipal and barangay officials headed by Arakan Mayor Romeo Tapgos.

The municipal treasurers, accountants and budget officers of the municipalities of Alamada, Aleosan, Arakan, Carmen, Magpet, Matalam, Midsayap, Mlang, Pigcawayn, Pikit, Pres. Roxas, Tulunan and the City of Kidapawan also joined in pledging their commitment to CHIP.

Governor Piñol has scheduled a meeting with all mayors on Thursday for the signing of the Pledge of Commitment at their level. This will be followed by the singing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to be prepared by the CHIP technical working group.